GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific Name: Penstemon barbatus
CommonName: Beard Tongue
Hardiness Zone: 5a - 8b
Hardiness Degree: -20°F (-20°C)
Blooming Season: Spring, Late Spring, Summer, Autumn, Late Summer
Plant Habit: Upright
Characteristics: Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Drought Tolerant, Attracts Hummingbirds, Heat Tolerant
Water: Light
Fertilizer: Once a month
Spacing: 6 - 12" (15 - 30cm)
Height: 12" (30cm)
Width: 12" (30cm)
Exposure: Sun
PROPAGATION
Media EC/pH: EC 0.75-0.80 mmhos/pH 5.8-6.2
Soil Temperature: 70-72°F (21-22°C)
Rooting Hormone: 500 ppm IBA
Mist: Moderate to high for first 24 hours, then reduce to low.
Fertilization: 50-75 ppm N
Pinching: Recommended.
Transplanting: 35-42 days after sticking
FINISHING
Media pH: 5.8-6.2
Temperature: Nights: 55 to 70°F (13 to 21°C) Days: 60 to 80°F (15 to 27°C)
Light Level (fc): 3,000 to 5,000
Vernalization: No
Daylength: Long day facultative
Watering: Allow media to dry moderately between watering.
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer at a rate of 150 to 175 ppm N.
Pinch After Transplant: Yes
Plant Growth Regulators: PGRs generally not needed
Pests and Fungal Diseases: Spider mites, thrips. Watch for INSV/TSWV.
CROP SCHEDULING
1–qt. (10–cm) pot, 1 plant per pot: Unrooted: 10-14 wks Rooted: 8-10 wks
1–gal. (15–cm) pot, 1 plant per pot: Unrooted: 15-17 wks Rooted: 10-12 wks
2 to 3–gal. (25 to 30–cm) pot, 3 plants per pot: Unrooted: 19-22 wks Rooted: 12-14 wks
Bloom Months: April to September